Korean word

소위

Pronunciation

Romanizationsowi

Meaning

  • adverbso-called

Example

그는 소위 전문가라고 불린다.keu neun so wi cheon mun ga ra go pul lin da

He is called a so-called expert.

Illustration for 소위 (so-called)

More examples

그는 소위 말하는 전문가는 아니다.keu neun so wi mal ha neun cheon mun ga neun a ni da

He is not a so-called expert.

Core concept

A verbal label that introduces what a person or thing is commonly called.

Common phrases

  • 소위 말하는so wi mal ha neun

    so-called

Similar words

이른바ireunba: A common expression introduces a familiar public name or label for a person or thing.
일명ilmyeong: An alternate name tells what a person or thing is also called.

Definition in Korean

흔히 어떤 사람이나 사물에 대해 '이른바'라는 뜻으로 그 이름이나 성질을 소개할 때 쓰이는 부사heun hi eo tteon sa ra mi na sa mu re tae hae i reun ba ra neun tteu seu ro keu i reu mi na seong ji reul so gae hal ttae sseu i neun pu sa

Word origin

소위 (sowi, "so-called") is a Sino-Korean formation whose original meaning is "what is called".

Usage tips

  • Its formal written tone makes it useful in explanations and reports, while a more everyday expression may sound more natural in casual speech.

Other meanings

  • second lieutenantnoun

Opposites

  • 진짜로chinjjaroreallyadverb

Word lists with this word